Saturday, August 7, 2010

Promises, Promises Part 1: The Eye Cream Reality Check

False: Product claims like these rake in millions from hopeful skincare consumers. And you don’t have to be naïve to fall for the lure of a new scientific discovery (or ancient beauty secret) that promises to change the face of anti-aging skincare forever. After all, a product breakthrough like that could happen. And maybe someday it will. But at this point, the secret formula that magically erases dark circles, crows-feet, and droopy skin is still just a hopeful gleam in the eye of beauty scientists.

2. Does that mean raccoon eyes and wrinkles are forever?

No. And eyelifts, Botox, and laser surgery are not your only options. Several noninvasive skin treatments can significantly refresh and revitalize the eye area. The precise degree of improvement you can achieve depends a variety of factors, including the causes of your symptoms and your commitment to eliminating the major culprits.

3. Which of the following factors can cause the development of dark circles, puffiness, and wrinkles around your eyes?
(a) Heredity
(b) Allergies
(c) Rubbing your eyes
(d) Aging and environmental damage
(e) Lack of sleep
(f) Dehydration
(g) Smoking
(h) Eczema
(i) Anemia, kidney disease, or other serious health condition
(j) All of the above.

(j)All of the above. The first 7 items on the list are the most likely causes of thinning, damaged skin and areas of dark pigmentation under the eyes. Individuals born with fair, delicate complexions are naturally more prone to under-eye rings and signs of premature aging. But inheriting these genetic tendencies doesn’t automatically doom you to looking perpetually tired and old before your time. The safest least-invasive approach is a three-pronged action plan: (1) Use a high-SPF sun block daily (2) practice healthy lifestyle habits and (3) adopt a gentle, effective skincare regimen. (A good under-eye concealer also helps.) If your symptoms are allergy-related, try an over-the-counter anti-histamine. In rare cases, persistent dark circles may signal anemia, a clotting disorder, or another serious illness. If you’re also suffering from fatigue, unexplained bruising, or other worrisome symptoms, consult your physician.

(f) All of the above. Like vitamin K and caffeine, niacinamide has demonstrated beneficial effects on under-eye discoloration and a variety of other age-related skin problems in numerous medical studies. Vitamin A derivatives such as retinyl palmitate and the powerful antioxidants in natural plant-based complexion care also play an essential role in restoring the strength and resilience of maturing skin. Together with the superior emollient properties and moisture-binding capacity of plant-derived oils and humectants, these valuable nutrients comprise a balanced diet for ailing, exhausted skin. Good natural sources of these ingredients include the following:
• Green and white teas
• Squalene
• Jojoba oil
• Sea buckthorn
• Shea butter
• Pearl powder
• Aloe vera
• Hyaluronic acid

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About Me

Lavinia Borcau obtained the CIDESCO International Diploma in 1994 – the highest earned professional skin care title in the world. She has dedicated more than 20 years of experience to the field, and is passionately committed to providing the highest quality of skin care. She owns and operates Lavinia Borcau Skin Care in Boston.
Lavinia has spent the last 4 years perfecting a line which brings together the natural wisdom of our grandmothers’ heritage with the secrets of European skin care and modern scientific technology.
Lavinia has done what few skin care professionals have done: she has launched a product line that has its roots in time-tested approach from her native Romania, a region renowned for centuries for its spas, treatments, and skin care.
Lavinia Borcau’s new LaVie Organique product line is the expression of a lifetime’s experience of hands-on professional skin care, and of Lavinia’s sophisticated knowledge of what wonderful skin care products can achieve for her clients.
Lavinia can be contacted at info@lavie-organique.com.